Essential Cue Sports Jargon and Expressions

Every competitive activity develops its own language, and cue sports like billiards, pool, and snooker are no exception. Whether you're a player or just an observer, you might have heard players toss around specific slang that sounds foreign to outsiders. If you're familiar with these terms, great! If not, this guide will introduce you to popular phrases, slang, and sayings commonly used during pool games, especially in Florida.

Have you ever wondered about the conversations around pool tables discussing "action" happening around the clock? This often hints at betting activity—people placing wagers on games. The phrase "sweating the action" also signifies betting on a match. Next time you overhear this, you'll know they’re talking about gambling.

Another term you'll hear is "speed," which doesn’t refer to a player's pace but rather their skill level. A player described as having "top speed" is someone performing at their best. The term "shark" is used in the context of distracting a shooter, often to gain an advantage. Phrases like "the nuts," "stone-cold," or "Brazilians" refer to a player who is heavily favored to win, meaning victory is almost certain. "The tuts" describe a shot where the ball hits the corner pocket directly. When a player intentionally underperforms, they might be said to be "lemoning" or playing below their true ability.

Globally, cue sports have regional slang—English players, for instance, often use phrases involving "balls," such as "balls to the wall," "balls up," or "behind the eight balls." These idioms add color and flavor to the game’s language. The vocabulary also shifts as the game progresses, with specific terms for different shots, strategies, and situations. Next time you visit a pool hall in Florida, try using some of these expressions to blend in and showcase your cue sport knowledge!